Uranium ETFs have gained traction as investor interest in clean energy and nuclear power—especially in the context of artificial intelligence’s energy demands—has grown. Although the uranium ETF market is still in its early stages, net inflows have been rising steadily, with equity-based ETFs dominating due to the lack of SEC-approved physical uranium funds. 

Major offerings like the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) and the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM) provide access to mining stocks and limited exposure to the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (SPUT), which holds physical uranium but is structured as a closed-end trust. 

Canada remains the geographic hub for investable uranium stocks, and companies like Cameco dominate ETF holdings, while new entrants like the Roundhill and ProShares filings reflect continued market enthusiasm. 

Finsum: Until a true physical uranium ETF is approved, access remains indirect, and investors must weigh sector volatility and geopolitical risks.

For decades, private equity was the domain of ultra-wealthy investors, endowments, and pensions—but that’s rapidly changing as defined contribution (DC) plans like 401(k)s begin incorporating private market access. 

In a major shift, BlackRock and Empower are launching target-date funds that include private investments, with allocations between 5% and 20%, signaling the democratization of alternative assets for everyday retirement savers. This movement is being fueled by policy, with President Trump’s recent executive order directing agencies to support private equity and other alternatives within DC plans. 

The $12 trillion DC market is a major prize for private equity firms, who are now tailoring products to meet the liquidity and transparency requirements of retirement accounts. While private equity offers higher return potential, experts warn it also carries greater risk and limited transparency, raising concerns about suitability for all investors. 

Finsum: As public markets shrink and private companies stay private longer, including private equity in DC plans may become a necessary evolution in long-term retirement strategy.

The Hands Off Our Social Security Act, introduced in July by Reps. Melanie Stansbury and John Larson, would require congressional approval before the Social Security Administration (SSA) can make changes to benefits or services. The bill aims to protect SSA operations by blocking unauthorized data use, privatization efforts, workforce reductions, and office closures. 

Supporters, including Social Security Works and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, say the bill is a response to Trump-era staffing cuts and service barriers. 

Critics point to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent comments about "Trump accounts" as evidence of ongoing privatization attempts, though he later claimed they would supplement—not replace—guaranteed benefits. Policy strategist Greg Valliere says such proposals have little legislative chance but reflect real pressure on both parties to address looming Social Security insolvency. 

Finsum: Keeping your clients abreast of the latest news in retirement, is a good way to build a trusting relationship. 

Annuities, once sidelined as overly complex or narrowly useful, are now experiencing a surge in demand as investors prioritize stability, protection, and predictable income in a volatile economic landscape. This shift is driven by pre-retirees and retirees rethinking traditional equity-focused strategies and seeking solutions that mitigate risks like sequence-of-returns. 

Fixed and fixed indexed annuities, in particular, offer competitive yields, downside protection, and guaranteed income, features especially appealing to mass-affluent households with limited pension coverage. 

The Great Wealth Transfer is also fueling interest, as boomers explore annuities not just for income but for legacy planning as well. Meanwhile, advances in digital tools and platforms have made annuities more transparent, accessible, and easier to incorporate into holistic financial plans. 

Finsum: Even as interest rates fluctuate, annuities are expected to remain a core solution for those seeking long-term financial confidence over short-term market gains.

Starting your own registered investment advisory (RIA) firm can be a rewarding move, especially amid a booming millennial client base and the $124 trillion wealth transfer underway. Advisors should begin by clarifying their personal and professional goals, then build a strong support team, including legal, compliance, tax, and marketing professionals, to ensure a smooth transition. 

It’s also essential to prioritize time wisely, balancing firm operations with client service and determining whether to outsource areas like investment management. Crafting an efficient tech stack is another foundational step, with core platforms for custody, CRM, portfolio management, and financial planning needed to streamline operations. 

Transitioning clients to the new firm must be handled carefully, ideally with legal guidance and a clear plan for targeting the ideal clientele. 

Finsum: With strategic planning and the right infrastructure, advisors can build scalable, client-centric RIAs ready to serve a changing generation of investors.